slinging an (almost!) toddler

ditto the above advice. I also prefer simple ring sling with no padding. It's very very easy to make one yourself, if you have a sewing machine. Don't even need much sewing skill. I prefer the pleated shoulder, because it's easier to pull down over my shoulder and distributes the weight across my back better.

I make them with a combination of the instructions found at these two websites:
http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/inde...aby/sling.html
http://www.mayawrap.com/sewSling.shtml

My faveorite slings for hip carries are any good ring sling. I prefer one with a wide shoulder to distribute the weight well. I still sling my 16 month old and mainly use a ring sling (either My sling or Zolo). I through others in the mix but those are the 2 I use the most.

I prefer a ring sling for the hip carry as well. My DS is two and 34 lbs, however, and I find that we need padded leg rails, or he says, "owie, mama" and the sling leaves deep red marks on his legs.

Not sure how old your baby is, but if he's relatively young and 20 lbs, I would look into getting one with a padded leg rail (I also like padded shoulder, but that's just me). If he's two and 20 lbs, you might be able to get away without leg padding.

I like my Over the Shoulder Baby Holder a lot for the hip carry.

I ditto the ring sling, but a wrap would work good too.